I'm delighted to be the next stop on the blog tour for this adorable Regency romance. I read all the Georgette Heyer in my local library as a teen, and devoured Bridgerton on Netflix, so I was so excited to read something swoon-worthy that swept me back to that era, and Kingscastle did not disappoint!
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The younger son of a youngest son, Captain William Hawksmoor of the Royal Navy never expected to inherit a marquessate, and is none too pleased when he does so, especially when he learns that the he is required to marry within a year or be forever dealing with Trustees. As the new Marquis of Athelney, he takes command of Kingscastle, the family seat, and discovers much to be done to set it in order. There is also his aunt, Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, determined that her timid daughter should be the next marchioness. When she discovers he is far more interested in Eleanor Burgess, her under-paid and much put-upon companion, Lady Willoughby will stop at nothing to keep them apart.
My Thoughts
This charming, slow burn romance was a wonderful, comforting read. We predominantly follow the male protagonist as he is unexpected elevated from being a well regarded Naval Captain to becoming a member of the aristocracy as a result of the death of a dissipated distant cousin.
William Hawksmoor was never interested in becoming a member of high society, but nonetheless finds himself thrust there by circumstance, making his way towards his new seat as the Marquis of Athelney, Kingscastle. There he meets a number of the locals, most notably Lady Willoughby, mother of the previous heir to Kingscastle, who lives in the Dower House with her daughter, and her intriguing companion Eleanor.
I loved that this book focused on William for much of the time, following him as he learns to be not only a member of the landed class, but also a good master and landlord to a huge estate and local village. It lends the book a more homely, gentler air than romances of the period set in the high society seasons of London or Bath, but it is no less charming as a result.
The romance between William and Eleanor is a slow burn, with a side romance plot between two others being equally engaging for the duration, and the conflict in the story, whilst the result of misunderstandings which could have been resolved with a simple talk, are still absorbing when accompanied by a wider storyline about the village itself.
In conclusion, this is a perfect read for anybody who enjoys gentle romance, historical fiction, or, like me, is waiting for bated breath for the second season of Bridgerton. Prepare to swoon!
Kingscastle can be purchased from Amazon, BookshopOrg, Waterstones, or your local independent bookshop.
Thank you very much to Sophia Holloway and Allison & Busby for including me in this blog tour.
Text may contain affiliate links. All opinions and photography not marked 'Allison and Busby' my own.
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